Nest WiFi Gen2 Point to Point Connection

[alecalixto]

Good morning, I have the following configuration at my place:

router > point > point

The last point receives a poor signal from the router and I just discovered that a point only connects to a router when reaching Google's support, so I bought a new router, recommended by them, becoming like this:

router > router > point

Yesterday, when I added the second router, the point still receives a poor signal, so I talked to support again and this attendant told me the second router is acting like a point, it does not acts/behaves like a router.

So I have some questions now that maybe you can help me:

1. Is this true? There is no way to "replicate/extend" the router functionality?
2. If so, is there another way to improve my network, w/o moving the router?
3. The attendant told me the Nest Pro can work like I need, is this true?
4. WiFi7 was launch, I believe Google probably will launch a new mesh model, right? 

Thanks!

[MichaelP · Accepted solution]

Hello @alecalixto 

The path selection algorithm prefers fewest hops. So, if that distant point unit can reach the primary router unit at all it will do so instead of going through an intermediate point (or router unit deployed as a point). Since WiFi will slow way down in order to get through, it's unlikely it will not be able to get through at all, while simultaneously being able to reach the intermediate with good performance. This is true for Google WiFi, Nest WiFi, and Nest WiFi Pro.

So, the optimal placement recommends putting the primary router unit as close to the center of your home as possible, with secondaries (point units or secondary routers deployed as points) one or two rooms away from the primary – close enough to get a strong connection for themselves. From there, they provide coverage to more distant clients. Attempting to place units in a way that depends on a multi-hop topology will not produce good or consistent performance.

Running Ethernet can enable more optimal placement of the primary router unit. It doesn't need to be connected to your incoming internet service equipment through the short cable it came with.

I'll try to answer your four questions succinctly:

1. Yes. See above.
2. See above.
3. No, Nest WiFi Pro works the same way. It just uses the 6GHz band for the mesh connection.
4. Nothing has been announced.

[alecalixto]

You rock, Michael, thank you.

So, summarizing, as the farest point is receiving a 25% signal from main router, despite the second one (router or point) it will prefer to keep this connection as it comes from the main router, right?

And, as I have the PPPoE connection via this first router (where the optical fiber arrives), it's impossible to keep it, but move the main router functionality to the other one, more centralized, correct?

The only way would be via ethernet cable from the modem to this second/centralized router, right? Bypassing the first router.

Alex

[MichaelP]

Correct on all counts. I would just clarify that running an Ethernet cable would let you swap the primary and secondary router positions – the one currently configured as your primary router needs to continue serving that role, but in the other location. You can't just run an Ethernet cable and connect the secondary router unit to it.

[alecalixto]

Thank you very much, Michael, I will try to pass an ethernet cable and swap the main router position. At least I went to the farest point and, with only 25% signal, Speedtest gave me 100Mbps, I was amazed, lol!